Civic Arts

Davis Civic Arts Calendar icon picture of calendar

The City of Davis Civic Arts Program is pleased to announce a new Davis Civic Arts Calendar. The calendar lists events, exhibits, performances, and activities in the Davis area and beyond.

If you have an event or listing for the calendar, you may add your event to the calendar.

View the Calendar!

Public Art Requests for Qualifications

The City of Davis Public Art program has issued two Requests for Qualifications:

  • Third Street Improvement Project Artist Opportunity
    The City of Davis is seeking to commission a professional artist or team of artists to assist with the design and development of public art as part of the Third Street Improvement Project.
  • Downtown Davis/UC Davis Arboretum City Arts Gateway
    The City of Davis, in partnership with the UC Davis Arboretum, is seeking to commission a professional artist or team of artists to develop a permanent work of public art as part of the City Arts Gateway Project. This site-specific work will serve as a portal that marks the pedestrian passage between downtown Davis and the eastern entry to the UC Davis Arboretum just south of 1st and D Streets.

About the Civic Arts Program Aluvium - detail

The goals of the Civic Arts program is to provide and support a wide variety of art and cultural opportunities and education. Staff provides analysis, development, and implementation of Civic Arts programs, supports the Civic Arts Commission, and undertakes special projects.


Art In Public Places Program Lonliness of Integrity

Since 1973, the City has set aside 1% of all funds allocated for Capital Improvement Projects to purchase art that enhances the quality of the Davis environment. The artists selected through this program represent a diversity of style and media. Sculpture, murals, paintings, tile work, and functional pieces are located around the city for your enjoyment.

You can view a map showing the locations of public art in Davis.

Public Art Walking Tour and Gallery Guide

An attractive guide to public art and galleries is available. The guide provides information on public art around Davis and descriptions of non-profit and for-profit galleries. Print compies guide can be found at city offices and most art galleries, or you can download a copy: 2010 Public Art Walking Tour and Gallery Guide This document is in PDF Format 4500Kbytes.


Civic Arts Commission Support

The Civic Arts Commission advises the City Council on all matters relating to art and culture in the community, and selects art in to included in the city's art in public places collection. The commission encourages programs and methods that support creative activities to the highest standards, as well as increase public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of a variety of art forms.


Partner Organizations

The Civic Arts Program works with other agencies and organizations to promote arts in the community.


Arts Contracts Cnawan Stone - detail

Due to budget reductions, the City of Davis Arts Contract program is being discontinued. All existing contracts, awarded in 2011, will be honored. For further questions, please contact Carrie Dyer at (530) 757-5626.


For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at (530) 757-5626 or csweb@cityofdavis.org.


City of Davis, California
23 Russell Blvd.
Davis, Ca. 95616